How to Connect ChatGPT to Anki

Connect ChatGPT to Anki with the AnkiMCP add-on’s built-in tunnel, so ChatGPT can read your decks and build cards from your browser.

ChatGPT runs in the cloud, so it can’t see Anki on your computer. The AnkiMCP add-on fixes this. It runs inside Anki and, with one click, gives your collection a secure public web address that ChatGPT can reach. You turn on the tunnel, sign in once, and paste the address into ChatGPT.

What you need

• A ChatGPT account on Plus or higher. You’ll add the tunnel as an MCP app under Plugins, and this guide was tested on Plus. For the fine print on which plans include MCP apps, see OpenAI’s Developer mode and MCP apps page.
• Anki 25.07 or later, open on your computer. Get it from apps.ankiweb.net.
• The AnkiMCP add-on for Anki, code 124672614. You’ll install it below.
• An AnkiMCP account. The tunnel has a free tier and a paid tier. You sign in the first time you connect it.

Time: about 5 minutes.

Why a tunnel?

ChatGPT runs on a remote server, not on your machine. It has no way to reach localhost, where Anki lives. The add-on’s tunnel relays messages between ChatGPT and your local Anki over a secure, signed-in connection. Your cards never leave your control, and the link is private to your account.

Step 1: Install the AnkiMCP add-on

The add-on starts a small server inside Anki. It launches on its own every time you open Anki.

1. Open Anki.
2. Go to Tools → Add-ons → Get Add-ons…
3. Enter this code: 124672614
4. Click OK, then restart Anki.

Step 2: Connect the tunnel and sign in

Now turn on the tunnel so your Anki gets a public web address.

1. Go to Tools → AnkiMCP Server Settings…
2. Click Connect Tunnel.
3. A login dialog shows a one-time code. Click Open Browser and enter that code on the page that opens.
4. Approve the sign-in. The add-on saves your login, so you won’t repeat this each time.

Step 3: Copy the tunnel URL

The tunnel address is the same for everyone:

https://tunnel.ankimcp.ai/mcp

It’s safe to share, because it only works after you sign in — requests reach your Anki only when the AI app is signed in with your account. Copy that URL. You’ll paste it into ChatGPT next.

Step 4: Add the tunnel to ChatGPT

Open chatgpt.com in your browser and add the tunnel as an MCP app.

1. In the left sidebar, click Plugins.

2. On the Plugins page, click Add in the top-right corner, then choose Create MCP App. If you don’t see Create MCP App, turn on Developer mode under Settings → Security and login first.

3. The Create MCP App dialog opens. Fill it in:
   • Name: something like AnkiMCP.ai. The icon and description are optional.
   • Connection: keep Server URL selected and paste your tunnel URL. Ignore the Tunnel option — that’s ChatGPT’s own feature, not the AnkiMCP tunnel.
   • Authentication: leave it on OAuth. Don’t open Advanced OAuth settings; ChatGPT reads the right settings from the URL.
   • Check I understand and want to continue to accept ChatGPT’s custom-MCP risk notice, then click Create.

4. ChatGPT shows a Connect AnkiMCP.ai screen that explains permissions. Click Continue to AnkiMCP.ai.

5. AnkiMCP opens and asks you to Grant Access to ChatGPT. Sign in if prompted, then click Yes.

6. Back in ChatGPT, AnkiMCP.ai now shows under Installed on the Plugins page. Click it to open its details, where a Try in chat button starts a conversation with the plugin ready to use.

Check it worked

Keep Anki open, then start a chat and type @, pick AnkiMCP.ai from the list, and ask: “fetch anki decks”.

If it names your real decks and card counts, the tunnel works. You can now ask it to make cards, search your collection, or review with you. Mentioning the plugin with @ tells ChatGPT to use it for that message; after the first time, it usually picks AnkiMCP.ai on its own whenever you talk about Anki.

Fix common problems

ChatGPT can’t connect. Make sure Anki is open and the tunnel shows as connected in Tools → AnkiMCP Server Settings…. The tunnel only relays while Anki is running. Reconnect the tunnel if needed.

ChatGPT connects but sees no decks. Anki itself may be closed. Open Anki and confirm the tunnel is connected in Tools → AnkiMCP Server Settings….

Sign-in didn’t open my browser. The login dialog shows a backup link and code. Open the link and enter the code to approve.

Common questions

Do I have to pay? The add-on is free. The tunnel has a free tier to get started and a paid tier for higher limits — see pricing.

Next steps

• New to local vs. remote? Read Remote vs local access to choose the right path.
• Want better cards? Try these AI prompts for Anki.

Disclaimer: “Anki” is a registered trademark of Ankitects Pty Ltd. AnkiMCP is an independent, community-built project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ankitects. MCP is an open standard originated by Anthropic; AnkiMCP is likewise not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic.